WYFF reporter and anchor Mike McCormick and photographer Aaron Smeltzer are being remembered this morning by friends and co-workers.
McCormick and Smeltzer were killed yesterday while covering severe weather in Polk County, N.C. A tree fell on their SUV while driving in the North Carolina mountains.
Tryon, N.C. fire chief Geoffrey Tennant had done an interview with McCormick and Smeltzer just 10 minutes before he got the call about a downed tree hitting a vehicle on U.S. Highway 176. “We talked about how he wanted us to stay safe, and how we wanted him to stay safe,” said Tennant.
McCormick had worked at the Greenville, S.C. Hearst station for 10 years. He’d also worked in Fayetteville, Ark. and Miami. Smeltzer had worked in the market for about 10 years, but only for the last several months at WYFF. Colleagues and friends, past and present, have been sending condolences on social media.
I’m stunned by the death Mike McCormick. We went to UM together and were writers at @wsvn. Our business was better because of Mike. He loved journalism and wanted to make sure all sides were treated fairly and the facts came to light. @wyffnews4 https://t.co/fHZvkfRrjy
— Alex DiPrato (@AlexDiPrato) May 28, 2018
So saddened to hear about WYFF’s anchor/reporter Mike McCormick and photographer Aaron Smeltzer. I was acquainted with Mike and just saw him a month or so ago when we spoke! Aaron and I worked together every now and then on live shots. Prayers…?
— Christy Henderson (@christyhweather) May 29, 2018
Please spare a moment to mourn for two good men, good journalists, killed while doing their jobs today. Mike McCormick and Aaron Smeltzer worked for WYFF and died covering weather danger in Tryon NC.
— Gordon R. Dill (@GordonRDill) May 28, 2018
They were sweet friends. They were talented colleagues. Now they are gone… far too soon. Praying for all who loved Aaron Smeltzer and Mike McCormick ????
WYFF news crew dies after tree falls on vehicle in Polk Co. https://t.co/Qbbb7ndOno— Amy Wood 7 News (@TVAmy) May 28, 2018
Truly saddened by the tragic loss of Mike McCormick and Aaron Smeltzer of WYFF4. Both consummate professionals who made our community better. Our prayers are with their families and all at WYFF, @wyffnews4
— Knox White (@MayorKnoxWhite) May 29, 2018
